: First, what a great board! I just found it yesterday and have been amazed at the wealth of knowledge and tips provided here.

: I've been playing (to varying degrees of committment) for the last 5 years or so. The band I play in takes a lot of requests and plays a lot of songs that I have never played during shows, so I think that has really forced me to develop my ear and instinct for progression. But, being largly self-taught I have been very ignorant in the aspects of equipment set up technique varieties and gear quality. So, this site is going to be very helpful for me.

: Anyway, my current delima is trying to play and sing some backup at the same time. Right now it's like the old joke about walking and chewing gum at the same time or rubbing your stomache while patting your head...

: Anyone have this problem? This is a new thing for me and I can sing OR play,

I am also a back up singer (and bassist) and I have the same challenge.I have found that once I really know the bassline, I focus on the singingalone while playing. After a while doing this the bass falls into place.If you really know the bassline, you'll eventually be able to play it in yoursubconscience.Pete